When to Plant Carrots in Madison County, NE
Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.
Madison County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 160 days.
At an elevation of 858 feet, Madison County receives approximately 33.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Carrots during the growing season.
Madison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Carrots Planting Timeline — Madison County, NE
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 23 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 6.8
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
160 days
Growing Tips for Madison County
Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.
Carrots in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Carrots in Madison County, NE?
Madison County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Madison County, NE?
Madison County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 7.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Madison County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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